Hadith #75

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A wise saying is a lost article of the believer. Therefore, get wise sayings even though from people of hypocrisy.

This wise utterance emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge, regardless of the source it comes from.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (hikmah) "حِكْمَةُ" refers to wisdom, which encompasses knowledge, understanding, and the ability to apply knowledge in a beneficial manner. It is a quality highly praised in Islam and is considered a great virtue. The word (dallat) "ضَالَّةُ" means a lost or hidden treasure. Here, it symbolizes the value and rarity of wisdom in the life of a believer.

The Hadith urges Muslims to acquire wisdom, even if it comes from unexpected sources, such as "people of hypocrisy" or those who may not outwardly display true faith. This does not mean that we should blindly accept everything they say, but rather, we should be open-minded and discerning, extracting wisdom from their words and actions.

To further understand the significance of seeking wisdom, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269),

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great good.

This verse emphasizes that wisdom is a divine gift and a great blessing from Allah. It is through wisdom that we are able to navigate the complexities of life, make sound decisions, and fulfill our purpose as believers.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We gave David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, 'Praise be to Allah, Who has favored us above many of His believing servants!'

This verse highlights the importance of knowledge and wisdom, as it was bestowed upon the Prophets David and Solomon (peace be upon them). Their gratitude to Allah for this gift serves as a reminder for us to value and seek wisdom in our own lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to broaden our horizons and not limit ourselves to seeking wisdom only from those who outwardly display piety. It reminds us that wisdom can be found in unexpected places and that we should be discerning in extracting the pearls of wisdom from the words and actions of others.

By seeking wisdom, we can expand our knowledge, gain a deeper understanding of the world around us, and make informed decisions. It allows us to grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. Moreover, seeking wisdom from various sources helps us develop critical thinking skills and enables us to differentiate between truth and falsehood.

However, it is important to note that while we should seek wisdom from diverse sources, we must always refer back to the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for guidance and validation. The Quran serves as the ultimate source of wisdom and truth, and it is through its teachings that we can discern the authenticity and value of the wisdom we acquire.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge, even if it comes from unexpected sources. It encourages us to be open-minded and discerning, extracting wisdom from the words and actions of others. By doing so, we can expand our understanding, grow intellectually and spiritually, and make informed decisions. However, it is crucial to always refer back to the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for guidance and validation. May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and benefit from the wisdom of others.